Monday, October 30, 2006

The title of this post sums up the events of the last several days. Last week started with notification that our company was going to be going through another RIF (reduction in force). Sound better than "downsizing" or "rightsizing"? You be the judge. I understand it is necessary to sustain the business, but that doesn't make it any easier. Thursday came and went and I made it, but it is always hard to say goodbye to friends you have made over the years. On Friday, we headed out with a group of friends to go see the Halloween Haunt held at one of the local movie studios. A bit hokey, but fun nonetheless. After that, we headed out for dinner and I was surprised with some birthday presents from my guys (my birthday was Saturday). My Wesley got me a table top vice, to assist with my soldering projects, and Stephen gave me a Nikon S6 digital camera. I have been wanting one for a while...love the large screen on the back. And to top it all off, we made it home in time to see my beloved Vancouver Canucks beat the Washington Capitals in an overtime shootout! What a way to start off my birthday weekend.On Saturday it was off to the first of two fun-filled days of book-making classes. Janice came by and we carpooled over. The fabulous Nancy and April hosted the event. April was our chef for the two days, keeping our tummies full with all sorts of nummy delights. Suzanne Cannon of Quiet Fire Design taught us 'Over and Under the Covers' and 'Mini Mica Memories' on day one and 'Unfolding Adventures' on day two. Suzanne is a wonderful teacher and a lovely person. I always enjoy her classes. I was surprised with a birthday cake and some lovely treats. Thanks everyone! I got to meet Mary, who will be one of my room mates at Artfest! What a pleasure. Mary travelled over from Victoria to attend the classes. I got to catch up with Nadine, another one of my original art friends (as are Pat and Janice) who is just back from a wonderful trip to Italy. I can't wait to hear more and see some pictures. On Saturday, after our book classes, Nancy held another class for a portion of the group and we made lovely beaded dolls. With us all seated around a table it was a nice couple of hours to sit and chat while we worked away.All in all it was a wonderful weekend and a great way to turn 29 for the 15th time. :u)

Sunday, October 15, 2006

It was so exciting to open up the big envelope that arrived a while back. In it was Jen's bento box (the third dish of our fibre food swap to arrive). Here are pictures of Suanne's tempura (naked and with batter). Great job!

I opened up the wonderful box of fabrics that were given to me by my friend Janice and found just the right material to create my additions to the bento box. Included are Ikura (salmon roe) and Tamago (egg) nigiri along with Gari (pickled ginger), a little felted Wasabi and last but not least, a Shiso* leaf. You should have seen the look on the woman's face when I walked up to the mall sushi stand to ask for one plastic shiso leaf (to use as a pattern). I'm sure she thought I was nuts.

*A little factoid...called "shisho" in Japan, this herb was traditionally served with sushi to alleviate seafood poisoning. Today it is rarely served, but it is represented by a green, plastic leaf in pre-packaged sushi.

Monday, October 02, 2006

I decided that my copper book is going to contain Wesley's poetry. This is the first page I finished for inside the book. The poem is titled "Sitting".

Sitting

Let's just wait outside. I hope nobody diedToday. They sent us all away so now I stayOut here. Quite a cheerThere was when they let us go. A flowOf students running out. Nobody poutsFor missing school, and if the day was just a bit more coolIt would've been nice. Instead, like miceWe scurry from shade to shade. It madeFor an interesting time as we talked about the crimeAnd what it could be. I guess we'll seeTomorrow if there's any sign of sorrow.But for now I just watch ants,And at different plants I glance.I can't get in, you see. My keyIs stuck at school and I have no toolTo gain entry.I'll be a sentry for the dandelions a while.(2006)This was written this past June on the day they evaculated the school due to a "police incident" (we found out later that it was a bomb threat). The students all stood around the parking lot and were eventually told to go home (hence the cheers). Wesley's key was in his backpack, which was in his locker, so he wrote this poem while sitting outside our house waiting for one of us to get home.